Animal Packer

Forest Service • McCall, ID

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and is responsible for packing supplies and equipment to backcountry locations by horse or mule. The Animal Packer supports trail, construction, fire, and resource crews; selects and arranges pack equipment and loads; fits saddles and harnesses; and ensures animal and human safety in field and emergency situations. The role also includes animal care, shoeing coordination, ranch and pasture management, operation of ranch and hauling equipment, and instruction and leadership for student or intern packers and other groups working around pack stock.

The position may involve camping in the wilderness for up to 10 days and working in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations. It is temporary, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year, and may end early due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license; a valid state driver's license is a selective placement factor.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile, or unpredictable locations.
• Must meet the position's qualification requirements, assessed based on relevant experience and training and ability to perform the duties.
• Must demonstrate ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
• Must demonstrate technical practices, use of measuring instruments, ability to interpret instructions and specifications, ability to use and maintain tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity and safety, and ability to perform motor vehicle operator work without more than normal supervision.
• There is no substitution of education for this position.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.

Responsibilities

• Pack supplies, equipment, tools, construction materials, and crew provisions to backcountry locations using horses or mules.
• Provide pack support for fire crews and resource crews, including transporting food, water, fuel, hoses, pumps, and survey or field equipment.
• Select appropriate pack equipment, arrange animals and loads in the correct order, build balanced loads, and tie appropriate hitches.
• Fit riding saddles, pack saddles, and work harnesses to horses and mules.
• Evaluate and safely respond to medical conditions and emergencies involving animals and people.
• Provide first aid and animal care in wilderness settings, including administering shots and treating wounds; use restraints safely for doctoring, shoeing, training, or containment; and dispatch an animal if necessary.
• Ascertain and assign appropriate shoeing for horses and mules working in mountain environments.
• Manage ranch and pasture facilities, including designing, building, maintaining, and inspecting stock facilities and fences.
• Conduct flood irrigation of native pastures and monitor forage use in annual grassland pastures.
• Operate ranch equipment, including a tractor with an auger, and haul stock, gear, hay, tractors, and other equipment using stock trailers, flatbed trucks, and trailers.
• Camp in wilderness locations for up to 10 days and apply Leave-No-Trace skills.
• Provide guidance and instructions to student or intern packers and serve as work leader on pack trips.
• Teach stock safety classes and conduct packing clinics and demonstrations for students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
• Train firefighters, trail crews, wilderness rangers, and volunteer groups to work safely around pack stock.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and whether employment is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
• Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed